Like in any other sport, Rwanda has professional boxers, Raba Secretary General has revealed, insisting that the sport isn’t as brutal as regarded by some people. Speaking to Times Sport yesterday morning, Eugene Ndashyikirwa noted that Rwanda has two semi-professional boxers plying their trade in South Africa and Turkey respectively. He disclosed that the two Salongo Bishaka, welter weight (South Africa) and Festus Kabanda Feather weight (Turkey) whom the federation is planning to invite to be part of the team for the Beijing Olympic Games qualifiers. “It would be reliable to have professional players represent the country in international competitions but we must meet their requirements,” he admitted. Adding that, “But they (professionals) must abide by our rules too. We are yet to discuss it but we have it in plan.” And like many other local sportsmen and women from other fields, several Rwandan boxers have disappeared in search for greener pastures without the federation’s full consent. But Ndashyikirwa defended the boxers’ decision saying that the main reason for their disappearance was mainly due to the poor organisation and financial stand in Rwanda. However, the problem is that Rwanda Amateur Boxing Association; Raba only has contacts for South Africa based Bishaka but pans are underway to get in touch with Turkish based Kabanda. Raba will name its team for the two Beijing Olympic qualifiers rounds after next month’s national championship round—no specific date has been fixed yet. Ends
